Ryan Brown Checks In

Aug 03, 2009

Senior soccer player Ryan Brown (RB) is
excited about the upcoming season and is ready to make a lasting
image in his final season at Santa Clara. After rehabbing a groin
injury from spring for most of the summer, Brown is getting ready
to hit the training ground and get the season underway. We talked
to the midfielder about his rehab, his favorite memories at Santa
Clara, and who he thinks is going to win the World Cup in South
Africa in 2010.

SCU: You grew up in New Jersey. Why did you want to come
to Santa Clara and what is the best thing about going to school in
California?

RB: I was recruited by a lot of schools on the
East Coast, but when Coach Rast and Coach Yamamoto invited me out
to check out the program, I really liked the weather, the team, and
the school. One thing I do not miss about home is practicing
outdoors in 20-degree weather and snow.

SCU: What has been the biggest achievement in your
soccer career?

RB: Playing in the Elite 8 at Wake Forest in
the 2006-07 College Cup. This is the last year for me and my fellow
senior teammates to surpass that run. It was also great to have my
grandpa from England make the game because I do not see him that
often.

SCU: What has been your favorite memory on the field at
Santa Clara?

RB: I actually have two favorite memories on
Buck Shaw. The first is from freshman year when I scored on a blast
from outside of 20 yards. The second and most valuable memory I had
was in the 2007-08 season when we beat St. Mary's at home and every
player got to step on the field and contribute. I was very proud of
everyone because we all worked extremely hard.

SCU: What have you worked on this off season to prepare
for your senior season? Are you playing on any teams during the
summer?

RB:Right now I am currently rehabbing a groin
injury from the spring. I have been weight training, long distance
running, and dribbling. Most importantly though I have been doing
physical therapy with the athletic training staff, and I am very
thankful for their support.

SCU: What are your expectations for the team this year
and how far do you think you can go in the post
season?

RB: I have great expectations for our team this
year in winning the WCC Conference and qualifying for the College
Cup. We have a solid group of guys who are extremely technical and
quick. The games should be very exciting this year because we have
a lot of guys that like to pass, combine, and attack.

SCU: How would you describe your leadership on the
team?

RB: I am the type of person that anyone can
talk to; I like being there for all my teammates on and off the
field and making them feel as comfortable as possible when they
step on the field. I work hard and I also like to encourage my
teammates to stay positive. It's very important to make sure your
teammates have fun because at this level everyone is passionate and
loves the game.

SCU: Who is your favorite soccer player and who would
you say your game most resembles?

RB: Well my favorite all time player is
Zinedine Zidane, his first touch gives him unlimited skill on the
ball and he is a very humble leader. Even though I have mainly
played on the Wing for SCU, I consider myself more of a Midfielder.
The style of play I most resemble is a cross between Frank Lampard
and Michael Essien. Because of my versatility, I like to attack a
lot, but at the same time, I like to win the ball and start
plays.

SCU: The World Cup takes place next summer in South
Africa. What do you think of the American's chances and who do you
think will take home the trophy?

RB: I think we have a good chance at performing
very well in South Africa. We had great results in the
Confederation Cup and we proved in the past that we can compete
with top teams such as Brazil, Spain, Egypt and Portugal. My
favorite team is France and I think they will take it all. I like
their style, chemistry and diversity which I believe contributes a
lot to their success and reputation.

SCU: What is your major? Do you know what you want to do
after you graduate?

RB: My major is Finance but my dream as a child
and today is to become a professional soccer player. Soccer is a
big part of who I am.

Nickname: I have a lot of Nicknames but my
favorite nickname is RB, my H.S coach Jack Weber and friends in New
Jersey call me that.

Favorite musical artist: My parents are from
Jamaica so I really like Bob Marley. I also like Kanye West.

Favorite Team: My favorite team is Arsenal in
the English Premiere League, they have terrific ball movement; I
really like Aston Villa too, because my family in England supports
them a lot.

Favorite movie: Collateral with Jamie Foxx and
Tom Cruise.

Favorite vacation spot: My favorite vacation
spot is England. I really enjoy spending time with my grandfather,
uncles, many cousins and riding the trains to see soccer games.